H-1B visa debate intensifies among Trump supporters ahead of new term

Washington: The H-1B visa program, which allows skilled foreign workers to contribute to the U.S. economy, has become a contentious topic among President Donald Trump’s supporters as his administration prepares for a potential second term.

The issue has sparked a heated debate involving tech entrepreneur Elon Musk, pro-Trump figures, and policy discussions about U.S. immigration.

President Trump has called for reforms in government spending, aiming to save up to $2 trillion. While he appears to be taking a softer stance on the H-1B program this time, some of his prominent supporters, including Laura Loomer, Matt Gaetz, and Ann Coulter, oppose the initiative.

They argue that it threatens American jobs and contradicts the “America First” agenda Trump championed during his first term.

The debate was reignited following the appointment of Indian-origin Sriram Krishnan as a policy advisor on Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the Trump administration.

Critics like Loomer expressed outrage, citing Krishnan’s past support for extending visas and green cards for skilled professionals. Loomer described such appointments as undermining America’s foundational values, claiming the country was built by “white Europeans.”